Determination

determination- noun- the act of coming to a decision or of fixing or settling a purpose

When you look up this word in the dictionary, there's a good chance that you might just see this face pictured:

This kid has always been a dare devil and has never really had a reluctant bone in his body.  We've always described him as having "no fear" just as you would many toddlers and pre-schoolers, but I like the word "determined" better.
Last summer, he learned to swim without any assistance or floaties,  It was about the middle of the summer when he looked around at the pool and noticed some bigger kids without floaties, and he decided he was done with his as well.  He was just a natural in the water and aside from me working with him, he never had any formal lessons.  This was him last summer when he was 2.

I was curious to see how he would do this summer when we first went to the pool.  Would he pick up where he left off, or would he be a little reserved and have to practice a little in order to "remember" how to swim?  Who am I kidding?  This boy picked right up where he left off.  He is such a little fish.  People can't believe he's only 3 when they ask.  While we were at the pool the other day, he noticed a little girl doing hand stands in the shallow end.  He stopped and watched her do this over and over, concentrating on her every move before he dove down and attempted to do a hand stand.  He came up with a nose full of water, but tried and tried again.  The boy is determined. Here he is trying to dive down to do a hand stand. 

He doesn't want me to help him swim anymore.  Where did my baby go????

He is growing up so fast.  He even insists on going to the concession stand all by himself and ordering his snacks.  Here he is coming back from ordering himself a sno cone.  When did my little baby become so independent? 

  This was three summers ago.  It was his first summer in the pool, and he was 9 months old.  It seems like just yesterday.  

It has been super hot, humid, and rainy almost every day this week.  Hudson has been asking to go to the park for days now, and I've been avoiding it and trying to find fun stuff to do inside where we could keep cool.  Today I broke down and took him.  He has been so determined to "go skate at the park".  We got there and I locked the front wheels on his skates because he has never worn them on concrete before.  That would not do!  He insisted on skating "for real" without the wheels locked.  SO....I unlocked them and let him try it out. 

I'm so glad we all made it home in one piece without injuries!

I love this kid so much.  Please stop growing up so fast, little boy!!!

Happy 4th Birthday, Ila Jane

It's hard to believe that you are turning FOUR.  We are so glad to have you as a friend.  Who would have ever guessed 15 years ago when your mom and I became friends at VSU that we would become so close and have babies that would be born 10 weeks a part and become such good friends?  I'm so glad that God's plan included you in our lives.  Happy Birthday!!

Happy 4th Birthday, Claire!

 What a great day to celebrate!  Claire is 4 today.  We are so thankful for you, Claire, and hope you have a wonderful day.  You and Boppy have such a special bond that is more like brother and sister.  We are blessed to have you in our life!  Happy Birthday! We love you.